The Saudi guide

Travelling in Saudi Arabia.

The practical things a first-time visitor wants to know: how to get around, which apps to set up, sorting a SIM, paying for things, and the customs worth respecting. A starting point, not the last word, so check current requirements before you travel.

Getting there and around

Most Umrah travellers arrive into Jeddah (JED); Madinah (MED) and Riyadh (RUH) are the other main airports.

Haramain High-Speed Rail: Fast trains link Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah. Book ahead in busy seasons; it is the easiest way between the holy cities.Book & timetables
Ride-hailing: Careem and Uber both work well in the cities and are the simplest way to get around. Fares are shown up front.Careem Uber
Riyadh Metro: A modern driverless metro covers much of the capital, handy for the sights and Riyadh Season venues.Riyadh Metro
Taxis and transfers: Airport and hotel transfers are easy to arrange in advance; agree the fare or use the meter.
Intercity buses & car hire: SAPTCO runs long-distance coaches. Car hire is straightforward if you want to explore; driving is on the right.SAPTCO

Apps worth downloading

Set these up before you fly and sign in on arrival.

Nusuk: The official app for Umrah and Hajj permits, and for booking Rawdah visits in Madinah. Essential.nusuk.sa
Tawakkalna: Digital ID and access to many government and daily-life services.Tawakkalna
Careem / Uber: Rides, and Careem also does food and deliveries in many cities.Careem Uber
Food delivery: HungerStation, Jahez and ToYou deliver from most restaurants and shops.HungerStation Jahez ToYou
Maps: Google Maps works well; download an offline area in case of patchy signal around the haram.Google Maps

SIMs, eSIMs and staying connected

Data is cheap and coverage is strong in the cities. You'll want a local number or an eSIM for maps, ride-hailing and the official apps.

Networks: The main providers are STC, Mobily and Zain. Virgin Mobile and Lebara also offer visitor plans.STC Mobily Zain
Where to buy: Buy on arrival at the airport, or at any provider shop or mall kiosk. Bring your passport, SIMs must be registered to it.
Tourist & Umrah plans: Providers sell short-term visitor bundles with generous data; ask for the pilgrim/tourist package.
eSIM: If your phone supports eSIM you can buy one online before you travel and be connected the moment you land, no queue at the airport.
Calling over apps: Messaging on WhatsApp and similar apps works normally. Voice and video calls over apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger) can be blocked or unreliable in Saudi Arabia, so don't rely on them, use messaging, or a local SIM/eSIM for ordinary phone calls.

Money and payments

Currency: The Saudi riyal (SAR), pegged to the US dollar at 3.75. Roughly 4.7–4.8 SAR to the pound.
Cards & phone payments: Cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere via the local mada network.
Cash: Keep some cash for small shops, markets and tips. ATMs are widespread.
Tipping: Not obligatory, but a small tip for good service is appreciated.

Customs and etiquette

Dress: Dress modestly. Women are no longer required to wear an abaya, but modest, loose clothing is expected; men should avoid shorts at religious sites.
Prayer times: Some shops pause briefly for each prayer, though many malls and tourist areas now stay open. Plan around the five daily prayers.
Ramadan: Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight in Ramadan out of respect.
Alcohol: Alcohol is prohibited across the country.
Photography: Ask before photographing people, and avoid photographing government or security buildings.

Food and dining

Local dishes: Try kabsa, mandi and mutabbaq. All food is halal by default.
Dining times: Saudis eat late; restaurants are busiest after Isha, especially in Ramadan.
Water: Bottled water is cheap and everywhere. Zamzam water is freely available throughout the haram.
Dietary needs: Vegetarian and other options are common in the cities; South Asian, Turkish and Arab food is everywhere near the haramain.

Health and safety

Emergencies: 911 is the unified emergency number in the major cities (997 ambulance / Red Crescent and 998 civil defence elsewhere).
Heat: Summers are extremely hot. Carry water, use sunscreen and a hat, and rest in the heat of the day.
Pharmacies: Well-stocked pharmacies (such as Nahdi and Al-Dawaa) are on most high streets, many open late.Nahdi Al-Dawaa
Insurance: Travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended; keep any medication in your hand luggage with a copy of the prescription.